Jeff Kaufmann

Jeff A. Kaufmann (born 9 January 1963) is the former Iowa State Representative from the 79th District. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2004 and retired in 2013. He was the assistant minority leader and Speaker Pro Tem.

Kaufmann is now the Chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, since 2014, when he was elected after the State Central Committee ousted the previous Chair, Danny Carroll.

Kaufmann served on several committees in the Iowa House - the Administration and Rules committee; the Education committee; the State Government committee; the Ways and Means committee; and the Local Government committee, where he was the ranking member. His political experience includes serving as a trustee for Sugar Creek Township and currently serves as a Cedar County Supervisor. During Iowa's legislative session, Kaufmann wrote an op-ed column, "Your Capitol Voice," which appeared in several area newspapers.

Kaufmann won the seat formerly held by the retiring Dan Boddicker in 2004, winning his first contest with Democrat Mike Owen of West Branch by over 1,000 votes. He won three subsequent elections Kaufmann was re-elected in 2006 with 6,311 votes (62%), defeating Democratic opponent Clara Oleson. In 2008, Kaufmann collected 9,456 votes, easily maintaining his seat. Democrat Rebecca Spears dropped out of the race before election day.